Today, Marti is going to bring another dimension into our study of Esther, it’s the contrast between operating from the head or the heart. Esther is a perfect example of this because had she listened only to her head, she would have never gone before the king because it was certain death to enter the king’s chamber uninvited. But her heart compelled her to go because of her love for her people.

I highly recommend you join me by answering the Journaling Questions at the end. I did, and it was well worth the time. Marti’s questions are very stimulating and get you thinking in ways you never have before. And we also welcome your comments as to what God is showing you from this study so far. Send your comments or your Journaling answers to me privately by replying to this email, or make your comments public by using the comment button below.

by Marti Fischer

For Such a Time As This: When the Heart Leads and the Head Holds Back

In the Book of Esther, we meet a young woman placed in an impossible position. She has rank, beauty, and influence—but she also carries the weight of fear. When her uncle Mordecai sends word that she must speak up for her people, Esther hesitates. It’s not that she doesn’t understand the stakes. Her mind likely raced with calculations and consequences.

And yet Mordecai says something that breaks through the noise: “And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14)

It wasn’t logic that moved Esther to act—it was faith. It was the heart that overrode the head. And that shift made all the difference.

Faith doesn’t wait for perfect clarity—it moves in holy confidence.

When we lead with the heart, we move from knowing the truth to living it. Transformation doesn’t happen through analysis, paralysis or perfect plans—it happens when we trust the Spirit to guide us, even when we see dimly.

When the Head Leads vs. When the Spirit Moves

When the head leads, you hesitate before reaching out to that friend who’s hurting, afraid you’ll say the wrong thing. But when the Spirit leads, you call anyway, and your presence speaks louder than words.

When the head leads, you talk yourself out of volunteering, mentoring, or speaking up because you don’t feel “ready.” But when the Spirit leads, you show up, and God meets you in the doing.

When the head leads, you replay the offense, justify the grudge, and stay stuck. But when the Spirit leads, the heart softens, and forgiveness becomes possible.

When the head leads, you say, “That’s not practical right now.” When the Spirit leads, you say, “If God is in this, I am in this too.”

The Head Is a Good Servant—but a Terrible Master

We live in a world that values intellect. We’re told to think carefully, plan thoroughly, and consider the risks. And that has its place. Our brains are incredible tools. But too often, we give them the keys and let them take the wheel.

And the brain—designed to protect us—starts whispering:

• “What if I fail?”
• “What will they think?”
• “This might cost too much.”
• “I’m not ready.”
• “I’m too old.”
• “I’m too young.”

The mind seeks safety. The Spirit calls us to courage.

Esther knew this. She faced death just by walking into the king’s court uninvited. Her head surely screamed, “Not safe.” But something deeper—something stronger—moved her forward.

Where the Spirit Speaks: The Power of the Heart

Psalm 119:11 says: “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

Not in the head, but in the heart. Why? Because the heart is where truth becomes conviction. Where knowledge becomes action. Where the Holy Spirit speaks not just to inform us, but to ignite us.

The heart doesn’t analyze outcomes; it responds to God’s prompting. It says, “If I perish, I perish.” It says, “Send me.” It says, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

When God calls us—whether to speak up, forgive, lead, start over, or step out—He isn’t looking for flawless logic. He’s looking for faith in action.

Resistance Is Real—and So Is the Spirit’s Power

Let’s be honest: the resistance never fully disappears. That voice in your head that says, “Don’t do it,” doesn’t vanish just because you are moving out from the heart. Even Jesus, in Gethsemane, felt the weight of what was ahead. But He didn’t let fear win. He let the will of the Father shape His next step.

You’ll face your own Gethsemane moments. Your own palace doors. Your own decision points. And in those moments, it won’t be more knowledge that saves you—it will be the Word hidden in your heart and the Spirit who breathes life into it.

Courage isn’t the absence of fear; it’s moving out in spite of it.

From Head Knowledge to Heart Action

So, how do we live as people who are brave, grounded, and responsive to God?

• Internalize God’s Word. Let Scripture live inside your heart, not just in your head, or on your bookshelf. Meditate on it until it shapes your instincts.
• Surrender the Illusion of Control. Your plans are small compared to God’s. Let go of needing certainty.
• Depend on the Spirit. Pray daily, not just for answers but for courage—the kind provided by the Lord. As John writes in Fearless Faith, “We are not called to live a safe Christianity, but a bold one—rooted in love, grounded in truth, and unafraid of discomfort.”
• Take the First Step. Faith always starts with action. The path gets clearer after you move. Faith in action dispels the enemy’s grip. Step on the fear if you have to, but whatever you do, keep moving forward.
• Lead with Love. Let your actions reflect the heart of Christ—not pride or fear, but compassion and trust. Too often we choose a safer version of faith—one that keeps us shielded from the very world Christ calls us to engage.

For Such a Time As This

God didn’t make a mistake putting you where you are. And He’s not asking you to have it all figured out. He’s asking you to trust Him. To act. To speak. To love boldly.

So let the head serve. Let it calculate and advise. But don’t let it rule. That’s the heart’s job—because that’s where the Spirit lives.

The next time resistance whispers “stay safe,” remember Esther. Remember that your voice, obedience, and step of faith matter. And you may discover that you are placed right where you are… for such a time as this.

Journaling Questions (Personal Reflection)

1. When was the last time I felt the Spirit leading me, but my head talked me out of it? What held me back?
2. What fears does my mind replay on a loop? How do these fears shape my decisions or silence my voice?
3. Can I recall a moment when I acted from the heart—when I followed God’s prompting despite uncertainty? What was the outcome?
4. What part of God’s Word has been stored in my mind, but not yet taken root in my heart?
5. What does “for such a time as this” mean in my life right now? Where is God calling me to step up, speak out, or surrender?
6. How do I typically respond to resistance—push past it, avoid it, rationalize it? What would it look like to respond with faith instead?
7. In what ways have I tried to maintain control, rather than invite the Holy Spirit into the driver’s seat?
8. What spiritual risks have I been avoiding? What would courage look like in that area?
9. Who has modeled heart-led, Spirit-empowered faith for me? What did I learn from interacting with them?
10. If I were to trust the Spirit this week fully, what’s one bold thing I would do?